Zen Master Seung Sahn was always encouraging his students to live together in zen centres, where they can support and give strength to each other by taking advantage of together practice. The daily routine of together practice, meals and work helps us observe the appearing and disappearing of our karma. We use the metaphor of cleaning potatoes in big water pot, according to a Korean tradition. When the potatoes rub each other, they get cleaned easier and better than if they would have been washed individually.

While living in the zen centre, one can clearly see how one’s opinions generate the problems by detaching one from the real life situation. When these opinions are put down, everyday life can be lived in clearness and harmony. The more we learn to cooperate, perceive and accept people and situations as they are, the stronger and clearer our minds get. At this point harmonious acting and offering true help to others become possible.

Forms and rules of the temple were created for us to aid us in observing our opinions and unmindful minds at all times. When we use these forms and rules as a mirror reflecting our mind, we will notice our suffering and obstacles. With great deal of effort and patience we are able to find a way to free ourselves from the suffering and get rid of the obstacles. This is the work that we do as a community in our Zen Centre.